Review: Corazonas Oatmeal Squares
I recently learned about Corazonas oatmeal bars and we received a few samples here in the Mtbr offices the other day. The creators of Corazonas were inspired by loved ones who were lost to heart disease. They wanted to provide a snack option that would be “heart healthy” (help manage cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease) AND tasty. These are not a bike-specific snack, but they work well both on and off the bike.
Corazonas oatmeal squares are infused with plant sterols, which have been proven to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. They are also low in sodium and have 0 grams of trans fat, 15-16 grams of whole grains, 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber (per 50 gram square). Besides the original Corazonas Squares, they also come in Mini Oatmeal Squares for a more on-the-go, kid-friendly type packaging. The Oatmeal Squares are available in these flavors: Cranberry Flax, Chocolate Chip, Orange Cranberry, Chocolate Coconut Macaroon, Banana Walnut, Chocolate Brownie & Almonds, Peanut Butter, Blueberry and White Chocolate. The Minis are available in: Cranberry Flax, Chocolate Brownie & Almonds, Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter and Blueberry.
In this video provided by Corazonas, they give a quick look at how plant sterols help lower cholesterol.
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNo_7fyHSU0
All science aside, the Corazonas are a tasty snack. The squares held up well in our hydration packs. You will definitely want to have plenty of water on hand while you eat these, they are oatmeal based after all. The consistency is lightly moist and chewy. Of the flavors available, we sampled the Cranberry Flax, Chocolate Chip, Orange Cranberry and the Chocolate Coconut Macaroon. While any review of a nutrition product requires a lot of subjectivity, Here is our quick take on the flavors:
- Cranberry Flax – Subtley sweet with a hint of spice. Moist but best when taken with plenty of water.
- Chocolate – Sweet and chewy, easy to digest.
- Orange Cranberry – Zesty and moist. I thought I would dislike this flavor the most, but it turned out to be my favorite of the four we sampled.
- Chocolate Coconut Macaroon – Sweet and tasty, but a bit “heavy” feeling. May be better left as a post-ride or at home snack.
The Corazonas Oatmeal Squares are a healthy and delicious snack pre-ride, post-ride, during the ride or even at home. Of the many flavors they have, you will almost assuredly find one that you like. Because of the oats, you will want to be sure to drink plenty of water to go along with your snack, but you should be doing that anyway. Corazonas are definitely worth checking out.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Flaming Chili Peppers 
MSRP: Box of 12 = $13.99 (ordered direct online from Corazonas website, not including shipping)
Corazonas can be purchased online via their website, but they are also sold at select Safeway, Vons, Costco, Vitamin Shoppe locations and others.
If you’re wondering where the name “Corazonas” came from, corazon is the Spanish word for “heart”. One other interesting thing to note is that if you are eating Corazonas at home, they can heated in a microwave and enjoyed warm (just remember to take them out of their wrapper before heating).
From the Manufacturer
“At Corazonas, our mission is to ensure that everyone living with high cholesterol has access to great-tasting snacks with proven benefits for the heart. We strive every day to create delicious snacks that combine heart-healthy ingredients with amazing taste.
That’s where plant sterols come in.
Using a patented process, we infuse our Oatmeal Squares and Tortilla Chips with natural plant sterols. In more than 140 studies, these organic compounds — found in fruits and vegetables — have been shown to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by up to 15 percent.
Here at Corazonas, it is our heart’s desire to give you the Freedom to Snack
. Now, even if you’re living with high cholesterol, you can still enjoy your favorite foods!”
For more info or to order, visit www.corazonas.com.
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